The prime minister accused Pakistan of helping the Congress and interfering in the Assembly polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday alleged that Mani Shankar Aiyar, who was recently suspended from the Congress party for his “neech” remarks, held secret meetings with the Pakistan High Commissioner. Addressing a rally at Palanpur city in Banaskantha district, Modi accused Pakistan of helping the Congress and interfering in the Gujarat Assembly elections.

“Now, news is that the Pakistan high commissioner, the foreign minister and Manmohan Singh met at his house just before the Gujarat polls,” said the prime minister, according to Firstpost. “This is a serious issue. I want to ask what was the reason for this secret meeting with Pakistanis. Former Pakistan Army Director General Arshad Rafique was willing to help make [Congress leader] Ahmed Patel the chief minister.”

Mani Shankar Aiyar, who insulted Gujarat, held secret meetings with Pakistan High Commissioner. What was the reason? Why are people who previously held high posts in military-intelligence establishment of Pakistan writing that we should help make Ahmed Patel the CM: PM pic.twitter.com/2KPmZF8BLa

This is the second time in two days that Modi has made such allegations. On Friday, he had alleged that after he became prime minister in 2014, Aiyar had travelled to Pakistan to get him “removed” to improve relations between the two countries. Modi said the Congress had then tried to muffle the episode, and did not take any action against Aiyar.

“Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar told people when he visited Pakistan that remove Modi from the way and then see what will happen to India-Pakistan peace,” the prime minister had said at a rally in Banaskantha. “What did he mean by removing me from the way? And is having the blessings of the people my crime?”

Talking about the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Modi on Sunday said it would make Banaskantha a transport hub. “This will provide opportunities to the youth of this region,” said the prime minister. Modi’s Palanpur rally comes a day after the first phase of voting was held in Gujarat. A voter turnout of 68% was recorded as 89 constituencies went to polls. The remaining 93 constituencies will vote on December 14.

On Sunday, Modi will be addressing rallies in Sanand, Kalol and Vadodara while Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will tour Kheda, Aravali, Banaskantha and Gandhinagar.